 | ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS |
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| Adopted by the IASSW Board of Directors on February 4, 1995 The Illinois Association of School Social Workers endorses the position that students with severe behavioral problems have a right to effective behavioral interventions within the school setting. These behavioral interventions must be planned and supervised by school personnel who are trained in behavioral management techniques. Behavioral interventions must also be respectful of the student's dignity and implemented with the cooperation of the student's parents or guardian. School social workers play a vital role in the provision of behavioral interventions in the school because of their training in the technology of behavior management and their role as link to the student's home. IASSW believes that positive behavioral interventions which enhance the student's desire to behave in a socially acceptable manner should always be attempted and documented over a period of time prior to the use of more intrusive techniques. When more intrusive techniques are required, such as seclusion or physical restraint, they must be administered under the supervision of school personnel trained in the use of such techniques. School social workers, along with other qualified professionals, are instrumental in providing in-service training to school personnel working with behaviorally challenging students. School social workers have an understanding of the causes of behaviors, the methods of documentation of behaviors, the analysis of those behaviors, interventions to use with those behaviors, and risks associated with those interventions. When planning a behavioral intervention strategy it is necessary to evaluate all of this information in relation to the student's needs and goals. Family involvement in the development of the student's plan is expected. When using intrusive behavioral interventions, it is necessary for the school to insure the safety of the behaviorally challenging student, his or her classmates, and the staff working with the student. This need must be balanced with the requirement to educate that student in the least restrictive educational setting possible. IASSW believes that all school personnel must be trained in the use of effective behavioral interventions. Students with severe behavioral problems have a right to appropriate treatment plans in the least restrictive educational setting. School social workers must advocate for these students through the provision of staff training, collaborative services, linkages to the home and the community, assessment, evaluation, and implementation of behavioral interventions in the school.
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© 1997-2008 Illinois Association of School Social Workers Updated on: April 19, 2008 |
